Testimonials

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The Not Your Normal School of Photography is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and has been helping photographers achieve success since 1997.

Choose a course and enroll!

 

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Here’s what our students are saying about the Not Your Normal Photography® course!

Below you’ll find letters, e-mails, and faxes we’ve received from our students. I think you will find them interesting! As you’ll see, they come from students with a wide variety of perspectives and different stages of developing their photo skills and businesses. I really had a great time putting these together because, for me, reading them was like visiting with old friends!

Anyway, one thing I need to mention — please be aware that any comments with regards to income or anything else may not be typical nor do they represent an “average” experience or result.

First of all, people who write in tend to be the more successful students. You won't find testimonials here from people who took our course and did not achieve the success they wanted, but as it is with most activities, some people are more successful than others, and some are not successful at all.

Second, everyone comes into this with a different set of skills and experiences and ends up in a slightly different place. And that’s a good thing, because it makes this entire field of people and pet photography even more fun, and it opens up plenty of room for each unique talent!

OK, enough from Pam and me, here’s what our course members have to say!!!...

I’ve shot about 20 sessions since I first ordered your course, so my portfolio is looking real good. I honestly could shoot full-time right now just on word of mouth, but I choose to be extremely selective and will only shoot Sunday evenings in my Barn.

After spending some time on your website, I saw Jeff’s article. I downloaded a trial copy, played with it for about 5 minutes and then GLADLY coughed up the $50 bucks for a full version. Are you kidding me? $50 for this? It’s got to be the software bargain of the century! All I can say is WOW! What a difference! I just delivered my first session using this combo, and my customer was in awe of the quality. The bad news is that my wife is making me go back and re-print all of our family shots!

Hey - great work guys - I’m really glad I took the bait on that little ad in my photo magazine. You’re stuff has paid for itself over and over again, but more importantly, you’ve given me the tools necessary to prepare for my “post corporate” life! thanks much and have a great holiday season! — Scott Barnes

Hello Jeff & Pam,

We have gotten a great response with focusing on the animal/pet angle. The “People” and family naturally follows but the hook with the animals as family really helps. Not to mention that we are huge animal lovers. Their a little harder since they don’t always cooperate but if you stick with them, the personalities really are great. We have never received anything but great feedback and are getting a lot of referrals from word of mouth. Our quality has really improved over time and is always getting better, Thanks for the wonderful training and continued support and education. Sincerely, Mark & Tammy

I use my daughter to set up all the poses using the Swipe Files. I only have to concentrate on the photography. As this is my first time doing family sessions, I depend on the course material to guarantee success. I know when I make a successful session because every time I finish the mom walks up to myself or my daughter and say’s “what a great time we had” and gives each of us a HUG. This happens every time, too! We have learned to interact with our clients during the sessions.

The course is very well put together, easy read. All topics well covered. Easy to find specific answers to my questions. Best value for money spent. I find it hard to believe that a course like this one could ever be developed to the extent that it is. It Guarantees success if followed religiously.

Marketing! To me this is more important than the photography. Pam’s Swipe file are invaluable and make my sessions go very smoothly. I could not do without them. Jeff’s marketing skills are unrivaled anywhere! At my age, I’m not easily impressed, but the guy continuously amazes me (I know it sounds like blowin’ smoke Z— it is!)

Other courses I have taken pertained to photography in general. Your course is the first one I have taken that covers photography and marketing yourself to clients.
The newsletter are thought provoking — jeff you are a marketing genius. I kid you about being a great BSer, but I have learned so much from you.

Well, I have never been aquatinted with a more “down to earth” couple like Jeff and Pam. I don’t like to impose on their time but every time I had to call or e-mail them they made me feel I was the most important person in the world. Pam I have enjoyed the multitudes who have fell in love with you! Now, Jeff, don’t take this seriously — she is just a special person and I know you must be so proud of her. I love her laughter over the phone and she makes me feel special even though my questions are sometimes basic. Sure hop someday to meet you two in person and to tour The Farrm. — Jerry James

Dear Jeff and Pam:

I Am really happy and satisfied, with the volume of know-how, that you transfer your students through your school of photography; is a complete course which covers all the joined aspects about Photography Business, since the initial techniques to take a photo, to the way how to get clients and to select them.
After I have concluded satisfactorily the course of photography, I feel that I have increased my knowledge About how to take better photos and how to make happy to our clients.
Sincerely yours, Ruiz Silva

I love it, NYN is very informative not to mention specific in the course and on the web as well. Keep it up please. What can I say other than it’s the detail you give that makes your course so great. — Rosie Walche

It is great having an actual “process” to follow. It is helpful to get recommended resources to purchase equipment and supplies. Having a resource to contact if encountering problems is invaluable.

Doing photography for money is my dream!!! I have always wanted to find a way to use my photography skills and passion. Once I came upon your course, I had some confidence it would actually happen. This course is exactly what I needed! I am very impressed with the detail and organized manner you have designed this course. I am going back to the binders all the time to look up something.

This NYN course is exactly what I needed!! It gave me a focus and direction to pursue my passion of photography. Before discovering you school I knew I had talent, but was unable to determine how to turn it into a business. I have never used studio lighting before and that is the hardest part, at least in the “starting” process.

It is great having such organized, detailed course materials and I reference them often. Another great plus is the resource guides and of course the availability of the web site information. — Sandra Lynch

Hi Jeff,
Have been very busy lately and haven’t really gone to the web site in some time. I’m glad I did. You guys have been busy. Tons of resources, articles and ideas. You
would laugh at me Pam. I first ordered your course in 2000 I believe. I’m still very passionate about photography, I carry my camera everywhere, people think I’m crazy. Still working out of my daughters bedroom, she is in college. Doing mini sessions, graduation pics, baby’s, pregnant moms, and yes—don’t laugh, weddings. I know you don’t like doing them. But I seem to have a creative knack for artsy type pictures that people love. Word of mouth is keeping us busier, and busier I can’t thank you guys enough. Your course gave me the confidence and the tools to point my natural talent in new directions. I’m still working as a nurse during the day. But at night and evenings, I turn into, super photographer.
Thanks again guys, Bob Richards

Jeff and Pam,
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I have learned a lot and have put a great deal of the information you shared to great use. I have several new clients for family portraits, 2 weddings and our Vet we go to is letting me hang several of my portraits in his rooms. Again thank you. Sincerely Samantha Jentz

I would like to let you know that since I began the course, I have gained the confidence to go out and make money with my camera. I was asked to assist at a press conference with Bank of America and the Chivas Soccer Club. There was some sort of promo going between the two, and my friend asked for my assistance. Not a bad start! I have also just been given the chance to shoot product for a catalog. I just
wanted to say “thanks” for boosting my confidence and my technical know how!
Regards, Bill Carson

You certainly are good at what you do Jeff !!!!! Every business should have a marketing/info agent like you!!

I have learned so much about marketing and setting up the business from your course. I am amazed at the information you provide me as a member. Although I have not had the opportunity to set up a studio at the house yet. .(excuse me.. .1 mean, I have not TAKEN the opportunity to set up a studio at the house yet.), the family and pet ( and wedding) photography that I do part time is greatly influenced by both your and
Pam’s advice.

Although I don’t know a lot of technical info about photography, the important part is that I have an eye for a good picture, and am told that constantly. Like Pam, I seem to have an ability to make people comfortable in front of the camera. Nothing makes me feel better than the wife who says, “My husband was so happy with the way you handled the picture taking. He said he felt so comfortable. He can’t wait to see the pictures.”

Although I was a bit hesitant at first to purchase the course, due to my money situation, I am SO HAPPY that I did. I learned so much. I look forward to the continuing support and info I get from the newsletter.

I have been shooting for 33 years. What you speak of in your KIT hits the nail right on the head. We photographers hate sell. You make it understandable. Thank you for describing the process of marketing in KIDDY Language for a person like me. You make it so that I can spin the wheel of marketing without my having to invent it. Thank Pam for me. The Swipe file is COOL. Like I said, I have been shooting for a little while now and I get stuck on poses sometimes. Yours are relaxed and cool. Perfect compliment to the stuff I do >>>> ADDS MORE VARIETY>>>>COOL...Thanks for being out there... George Gray

Hello there Pam, my name is Kevin Santavy and I am a recent “graduate” of yours and Jeff’s school. First let me tell you that I was pretty skeptical when I was ordering the course, it was hard for me to plunk down $500 on it. Well, I finished the course the other day and it was totally worth it. I can’t wait to get out there and start putting some of your techniques to the test. Thanks again for all of the great information, I’ll be in touch! Another excited student, Kevin Santavy

Hi You Two,
Thank you lots. I’m pretty excited about this material that I’m studying (long overdue). It is the most interesting and enjoyable course of study I have ever done, and I’ve done several correspondence courses as well as go-to-school-sit-down-and listen-learn studies, I can hardly wait to make a slot of time each day to sit down and absorb more. Thank you for the nice job you have done. Kudos, Gloria Harper

Pam and Jeff, you should have a different name for your basic course than “basic”, because it is anything but! Let me just say that I went to 2 years of college for photography and learned some great skills, but your course teaches specific skills that you just can’t learn in a “normal” school. Between the natural style photography instruction Pam gives, and the extremely valuable marketing information that Jeff provides, this course is essentially a business in a box!

When I graduated from school, I got frustrated because they pretty much gave me a pat on the back and wished me luck with putting all the skills I just learned to work.

Since I really didn’t know what to do next, I ended up doing NOTHING with it for almost 2 years. I moved out here to the mountains of Colorado from Pennsylvania after college to start up a new life. Photography, sadly, was still not on my list of things to do though, and it sat stagnant in my mind. Then I saw the NYN ad and ordered the basic course within a week because I was so excited. I want to thank you guys for renewing my interest in photography after 2 years. I am now satisfied and proud of myself that I am following my dreams at age 24. I now have the confidence to take my photography skills and create a business that will keep me happy for the rest of my life. Jeff, a specific note for you.. . You had a big part in getting me going because I am an extreme novice in the business world. Your marketing information is fantastic but the most important part is that it is FUN to read. I also took a small business management class 1 semester at school and just about fell asleep every class. I think that may have kept from moving on with a photography business because I thought it would be too boring or hard to get started up. You and Pam have showed me that the exact opposite is actually true. Jeff and Pam, you have provided me with information that is going to change my life forever, I sincerely thank you for everything, including all of the help you have provided after buying the course. I will be in touch as I continue to grow my business and send you examples of my work to show you what you helped to create!
Your latest excited NYN member,
Kevin Santavy
P.S. Just to let you know, my college degree has been packed up in a box ever since graduation. When I get the NYN certificate, it WILL be immediately hung on my wall!

Dear Pam and Jeff,
Don’t tell anyone, but I am ashamed to admit I was concerned when I purchased my course in Not Your Normal Photography. I have a BA and had been under the impression that correspondent/mail order education was inferior and probably just some crummy marketing scam. I told myself I would just send it back within the 30 day money back guarantee and hope no one would find out what I had done!

It is nice to be proven wrong when the outcome is so positive. Not Your Normal Photography is actually more practical than a college education (although I am glad I did complete college albeit 23 years ago). I devoured the course materials and found everything to be to the point and encouraging too. I looked at our Jr. College’s Photography Certificate and AA degree and figured it would take me 5 years to complete (I have four children 9-13). Time is of the essence. Not Your Normal Photography has given me the tools and confidence to open my own studio and begin shooting today! Thank you so much for your materials, for your humor and for sharing your lifestyle with others like me.
Sincerely, Sue Wood Migliozzi

I love the way you and Jeff have laid out the material. It succinctly and directly tells me what is important (wheat) and what is not (chaff). I have not wasted a single moment of my time. I don’ t feel that way about the NYIP schools. You’ve surpassed their capabilities to focus on what’s crucial to know! Thanks a lot! — Mark S. Tuck

The Not Your Normal Photography Course is an all inclusive course — it completely takes the guesswork out of starting your photography business! It even has checklists of the equipment you will need to get started! started! This course allows me to reference specific topics over and over again — it’s very nicely organized. I’m so glad that I stumbled across this web site! — Heather Osburn

Dear Pam and Jeff:

I was skeptical to try your NYNP course having been burned in the past. However, your course
was everything you claimed it would be, written in a sensible, readable manner and has saved me
countless hours of research and frustration trying to find good sources.

I wish I had your course two years ago before I spent a small fortune on individual books from posing and lighting to matting, most of which did not apply to my interests.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and success with a course that the average person can utilize and understand. NYNP has been a great time saver in many ways.

Thanks for an excellent course to help me begin my new career.
Sincerely, Sharon Hummel

I have been wanting to buy your course for a few years but something always came up. I am so glad that I did. It is so jam packed with information that I have no doubt I will be successful. Everything that is included in the course is what I expected and then some. I love taking photographs and have been an avid amateur for over 20 years. Thank you, Pam and Jeff, for creating a course for success. Sincerely, Raymond Meim

Dear Pam and Jeff,

Thank you for wilting an enjoyable business/photography course. Your writing Is like having a conversation with you, I feel like I know you personally; and look forward to using you for my mentors for many years to come.
My study course came in November, right before the holidays. I tore into it, hungry for knowledge of this incredible business. I didn’t take too long for me thoroughly go through the whole course. The manuals went with me everywhere and every chance I got I read. My Schedule is pretty full, I am a full time photography and journalism student, work about 30 or more hours a week, a Mom and a fiance - homeowner.
We host Thanksgiving Dinner for my family and studying NYNP’s course gave me the courage to set up a photo my home office and do portraits of my family for Christmas gifts. They are beautiful. That spurred me on to try some black and white portraiture with a medium format camera, much harder than with the digital, but the results are fabulous.

I also had my first paying customer and now co-workers are asking for appointments. I am excited to, my girlfriend and I (a photographer from school) are starting our own business together called DJ Photography. I showed her the course and she is impressed. She is two semesters ahead of me in the Professional Photo Course and I am miles ahead of her in the business aspect.

The course is worth every penny. Another thing I love is everyone pretty much thinks to do well in this business is to get “The Events” - weddings, etc. I am so relieved to hear your ideas on that and must say we are soul mates in this area.
Thank you again. (thank you seems so trite).
Sincerely. Dawn Bonner — Photographer and Travel Writer

Dear Pam and Jeff,

Just a quick note thank you for your business integrity. You deliver what you promise which is less and less the case anymore.

Frankly, I purchased your material a bit skeptically. Over the last 25 years I’ve built a very successful business. I now want to pursue my hobby but my business DNA propels me to make money at everything I do. I thought I would learn the photography component then simple safely ignore your marketing ideas. After all, I’m an old pro at this stuff. Nevertheless, I read the marketing material looking for trouble. Instead, what I found were the principles that have made me a successful businessman.

For anyone without this history or background, let me encourage you to follow Jeff’s principles. They work. I know because I’ve because I’ve been applying them now for 25 years.

Thanks for telling the truth and at a reasonable price. This information is not available easily for under $1000 anywhere that I know of currently.
Kind Regards, Stephen O. Meidahl

I happened to run across your school during a Google search for “free” photographs courses. I was elated to find and download your free e-course, but of course I was little disappointed to find that there was a more comprehensive course at a cost of $497.

After reading the e-course I was convinced that the full course would do wonders for my learning curve on photographing pet and people, but I had significant resistance from my supportive but skeptical wife. After many discussions on justification for investing in a business opportunity, I got clearance and ordered the Basic course.

I’ve already read the entire course through once and I’ve never been more impressed with the level of detail and coverage of a technical/business manual. You actually take the time to diagram and describe hot to make a ceiling-mounted backdrop holder. Most photography schools only teach you the product skills, most business courses only teach you the marketing skills and you kinda have to figure out the best ways to develop your administrative skills. This course does it all and I believe that it has greatly accelerated my learning of photography and running a business.

And I appreciate you share with us the “best” way to do things, in terms of equipment, marketing, etc., but you also take the time to show us very cost effective way to get by until finances improve. The encouragement to start something is also helpful. It’s too easy to get stuck in “Park” because of what you don’t have. Thanks for the consistent kick in the pants to press forward.

Thank God for you and your wife Pam. Derek Johnson

“I couldn’t have gotten my website up without you” Rick Davis

WOW!!! Amazing course; definite kudos to you. I was looking for a long time for something to help push me closer to my studio business, but with confidence. I have taken University classes, but would never recommend that over this Not Your Normal School of Photography. I am so glad I found you guys... I will definitely be referring you to all of my photography friends.

I will be starting my studio in about a month only because of your strong position in starting as soon as possible. I’m doing it in my home in a spare bedroom about 10’ long so hopefully all works out, but with my course under my belt I feel so much more confident. Thank you! — Natasha Enns

Dear Pam and Jeff,

I’ve been a hobbyist in photography for the last twenty years, and with retirement from my full time job in the near future, I’ve decided to start a photography and custom framing business. I’ve taken several courses in photography including one from New York City which I didn’t get much out of.

I was a little skeptical of taking “another photography course” from your website, but this was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I try to make everything I do “simple” and after completing your course, this was the best course in photography I’ve ever taken. The other courses seemed very technical, but your course made it very easy to understand the material. I was able to get going and start taking pictures right away! The member’s only web site is packed with more information that anyone can get going and start a photography business right away.

Thanks for giving me the information that you could only learn by “trail and error” and saving me a lot of time and money in starting my business.

Sincerely, Bob Day

Dear Pam and Jeff,

Here is my testimonial and permission to use it in your business. I would like to add that when I first got your course my wife almost had a stroke because of the price. She has since seen the value and has also read the course. When we do sessions she is right there with me in the studio. I have given her the title of “set director”. She helps the subjects with posing and props and has a lot of good input She has become a valuable asset. It has actually drawn us closer to each other and we love it and thank you for it. Below is my testimony, I know it kind of rambles a bit, but there are several good bits you can use.

I have been taking pictures since I was about 14. I started with a Kodak camera that took 126 film only black and white. That was back in 1964. Since then I have gone through several Nikon film cameras. I lost interest in photography because I knew I needed a studio and better equipment and the time to dedicate to becoming a professional. I didn’t want to take just snap-shots, I wanted more; to become a professional.

About a year ago I upgraded to Canon digital equipment and set up a studio in the garage. I bought a four light set up and a couple back drops and started taking pictures of friends and family. The results were less than impressive and I was extremely discouraged. I just couldn’t figure out how to get those strobe lights set up properly and there was no other photographer that was going to come over and show me how.

Enter Pam and Jeff Farr and their Not Your Normal School of Photography. I took the course and immediately I was able to get better results. The course taught me how to set up my studio and lights to get professional results. I couldn’t believe that with a few simple changes I could do this kind of photography in my own home! I now have a very saleable product and am continuing into the marketing phase of the program. The course information removed my frustration and replaced it with confidence.

I once heard that if you want to become successful you must first find a successful person and duplicate them. The course that Pam and Jeff are offering is a solid blue print for success. If you follow it you will become successful.

The best line in the whole course is this; you don’t need to be good, just good enough.

I want to thank you for all the help, the investment was well worth it. It has been a pleasure taking the course and I am 56 years old and I expect next few years to be very successful.
Sincerely, Fred and Michelle Powell

This is the one photo course that actually made me feel like I could do it on my own.

Wow! Where do I start. It was well written and easy to understand, the marketing part was very surprising and phenomenal in that it was full of lots of idea. It also inspired me.

Far outweighs them all. I was a student at the NYIP but did not finish as I got too bogged down with technicalities. — Ruben Garza

I have just completed the Deluxe Not Your Normal photography course and getting ready to read and study it again. Each time I review a portion, the more it makes sense and it’s amazing! You have really supplied me with wonderful information, insight and research! Thank you! Leslie Stayhorn

Hi from student,

I see that you visited my site a week or so ago. (I would have responded that day, but did not want you to feel like I was spamming you).I feel humbled, grateful and excited!

I saw the advertisement for NYN more than 7 years ago in a photo mag. I have been patient for my life to allow me to buy and implement the the program. Actually, I forced my life to obey my wish and desire to do what I have always wanted to do. TAKE PICTURES OF PEOPLE!
I just read the July newsletter. Jeff sure knows how to hit the nail on the head! I appreciate the effort you two have put into your business and really appreciate the School of NYN!

My first “full pay” dates for photo sessions is just two weeks away. Can’t wait. John Rybak

GREAT. It is great the way you include everything needed to get going. I love the way you concentrate on getting the job done and not all the tech stuff. The newsletters are wonderful for keeping the momentum going and the web site articles are priceless. The “swipe files” give me the confidence to try. [compared to other courses] More useful information packed in a simple format. This program does not cause you to become intimidated by all you need to learn. It encourages you to do it and gives you the info so you can in a short time. The DVD was great for seeing how it was done and giving one a “feel” for an actual session. I think it’s great you give useful information for all area of the business as well as motivation. When I first received your free lessons, I was surprised that the information was so good for free. Because of the free info, I felt confident in ordering the program. I was blown away when I received the materials and saw Pam’s photography. I never considered doing portraits until I saw your course. Now I love it. The completeness of the information and the get right to it information has allowed me to jump right in. — Sherry Huffman

Dear Jeff and Pam,
I am so excited about my new career. I have been thinking about becoming a photographer for about 10 years but didn’t know how to get started.

I didn’t have money to go to school and courses on line are very expensive. I was looking through Photography sites on the internet and clicked on your site. I loved it. Your mini course was easy and made me feel comfortable about going on to your “Not Your Normal School Of Photography”, course.

I love taking pictures. I already have pictures on my computer and put them in folders and print them.
Your course has been great for me because it tells me all the little things you need to know that a big school would not teach. It’s like you are right there with me showing me how to do things and how it can be easy and natural, not at all tense. It will be really great to have a job where I can make my own hours and do what I enjoy.

My husband and I are both artist, we paint on canvas and my husband also paints on wild turkey feathers, there really great. I even started painting portraits, but not making any money with paintings. So I thought maybe Photography would be my thing. I love taking pictures of anything. I even entered a photo contest at our Library, but didn’t win.

My 11 year old son loves taking pictures too. I think he might be a photographer someday. I’m thinking of naming my Photography business “Remember Me Photography”, in honor of my sister that died of cancer
five months ago. We had a family portrait taken just before we found out that my sister had cancer. That picture is very precious to me. So I know how important it is to have recent pictures of your loved ones.
Thanks for being on the net. You have really put me in the right direction.

Thanks Again, Lona Taylor Bluffton, In.

Fantastic, highly recommended. Felt some of the ideas might be “too American” for the market here [Ireland], but I am noticing that it is the principles that work that just need to be adapted.

Almost a hands-on course through to delivery. The newsletter is great for keeping up the enthusiasm! NYIP is great for technical, but if you’ve chosen to go for family portraiture you need hands on. — Joan Shannon

Dear Jeff & Pam,
How can I put into words, how can I Thank You appropriately? It was with your Love, Guidance, and Support that launched my photography career. If it weren’t for you it wouldn’t have happened! At 48 years old I am finally doing “what I love” and loving every minute of it! I feel so guilty as I don’t feel like I’m “working”! I’m getting paid for having fun! I tend to be a “shy” person and was worried that people wouldn’t like my pictures. It was one thing when family and friends were looking at them and oohing and ahing over them. It was quite another thing to ask people to pay for them. People have a different criteria when they’re putting out
money... Well no worries there!!!!! It is the best moment when they pick up their pictures and they almost cry! I can’t thank you enough! I’m so happy and having so much fun!

Yours truly, Judi Moses

Hi Pam, and Jeff,

I have really enjoyed the Not Your Normal Photography course. This is by far the most in-depth and straight forward info that I have come across. It really is different from other courses I have taken. You get right to the point on how to do things and don’t bog the course down with a lot of useless information. You really show (in detail) how a photography business can and should be run. Nothing is more satisfying than hearing other people “ooh” and “aah” over pictures that I have taken.— Peggy Gash

Dear Pam & Jeff,

Having a passion for Photography all my life and after years of entertaining the idea of having my own Photography business, it took Pam & Jeff Farr of Not Your Normal School of Photography to get me started. I can’t Thank You enough! All your ideas were right in-line with my Style. You saved me so much time and money. By implementing your tried-and-true ideas I was able to get my business going quickly. Thank you again for helping me to realize my life-long dream!
Sincerely, Judi Gorham

Hi Jeff and Pam!

I finally completed your photography and marketing courses today!!! There was so much information and great “secrets” — I’m still digesting it all. I enjoyed your writing style — I felt like you all were with me talking to me in person. I’m now armed with all that I need to get my business up and running.

I love getting your newsletter every month. I scanned past articles and made lists of: books that you recommend, websites to visit, products and software to try, companies to check out, and things to research at the library, to use as a quick reference when I’m surfing and shopping. I just purchased several books that you recommend, including Falser Than a Weeping Crocodile, and some products such as a 300 GB Maxtor external hard drive. It would have taken me forever to research and find all the things you recommend on my own — and some of them I probably would never have thought of.

I decided my marketing niche will be tourists with a focus on dog photography and families interacting with their canines. I have experience working with dogs from when I operated my own dog grooming salon. I’ll be using the great outdoors for my “studio”, but I’m working on an idea for a mobile pet studio, an idea stolen from my grooming days. The photo of my Shih-Tzu, Felix, on the mailing label is an example of one of my first experiments with that idea (taken in my van).

Thanks to your course, here are some things I’ve accomplished: I took a great number of photographs over the summer of my neighbor’s dogs, a Golden Retriever, a Pit Bull Terrier and a Chihuahua (as well as some other critters I happened across), my own dog and my daughter, which I used for building my portfolio. I recently matted and put my album together; I’ve been showing it to anyone who’ll stand still long enough. I completed a photo session for one of my friends with a small dog. Another friend who lives on the Island wants me to photograph the wild Crane that freely roams into his house. He plays rubboard for Zydeco and Cajun Bands and I’ve photographed him performing in the past. One of my photographs is being used by my church for its directory album cover. As for fishing displays, I have four businesses that have agreed to let me leave one — a friend from church who just opened a framing shop, the pet boutique where I purchase my dog’s food, a new dog bakery business and my bank.

Just after Thanksgiving, I was at my bank. The manager and I have a mutual interest in dancing and exchange information about dance events. We chatted about dancing, and she inquired about my Thanksgiving. I told her I’d been busy trying to get a pet photography business going. She immediately asked for my business card and invited me to set up my display without me even asking! Turns out the manager is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce and invited me to join.
The bank manager also recommended that I talk to her customers that just opened the dog bakery business. I went to their shop with the intention of only buying dog treats, but the owners and I got to talking and asked what I did. I just happened to have my portfolio in the van and offered to show it. They not only offered to let me leave a display, but asked me to provide a black and white photo of one of my photos for their wall (see the picture enclosed — Zena, the Pit Bull Terrier holding a ball). Also, they want to do some promo events and asked if I might be interested in doing some photography for their store. They told me that in the last three weeks since they’ve been opened, that they’ve gotten numerous inquiries about who did the photography of the dogs on their walls.

All that and I haven’t even started my business yet!!! You all really know how to motivate!
Enclosed is my Certificate of Completion and Affidavit. Thank you, Jeff and Pam, for a delightful course and for the tools and inspiration to help me achieve my photography and business goals. I’ve enjoyed your course immensely. — Pamela Hewins

Our biggest success has been overcoming the first session block. I love when Jeff challenges through the material of NYN school to just get started and the details will come... just get going and getting going has been our biggest success.

Though we already had the creative ability we needed the key to unlock our potential. We had no idea how to get going but the course has walked us step by step. The course was our starting point and a continual reference for us.

The most help has come from the Swipe Files. We continually reference them. Kelly goes to them directly each time we do a session. We often use them by showing the client how we want the pose to look. This is especially helpful until we have a photo of each pose.
We love the newsletter. We use it for reference on materials to use for props, for technical assistance and on and on.

Kelly and I consider Pam and Jeff as some of the smartest people we know. I remember when I first ordered lighting equipment from your web site there was some items on backorder. It wasn’t 24 hours when I received a call from Pam herself. I went and told Kelly immediately. I felt like I had talked to a celebrity. The moral of the story is that kind of personal contact has given us a clue on how to relate to our customers. Kelly and I come from a ministry background and we learned that “shooze” is the most important part of our business. More than the product and services, but saying hello, the welcome signs, the free pot of coffee made, the coke in the fridge and cookies made, and on and on. That’s what makes a difference.

Kelly and I struggled with what our signature would be. You guys have the farm, what do we have? I didn’t want to sink money to get or have overheads I was writing our first infopack to send out, by the way, we haven’t even advertised and we already have requests for infopacks, I came up with the idea to utilize our back deck on the back or our house we have a southern style double stack deck. So in our infopack I wrote “come early and enjoy our Cracker Barrel Style deck. Relax in our big with rockers and we’ll even brew you a fresh pot of coffee.” Kelly made fun of me, but I think it will work. The moral of the story is get going. We did not deliberately fail to advertise but when we started taking pictures they started showing others and the calls started coming in.

Just so you know, I am sorry for the sloppy letter, but we are traveling down a crooked road in Southwest Virginia. We are able to take the day off because of our new photography business. So, forgive the misspelled words I’m counting covered bridges. Thank you guys! — Chris and Kelly McMurray

Hello Pam and Jeff,

First off, I like to say that I’m finding your course very informative and I’m just now about to finish my first time reading it through. Once I started reading through the course, I became very anxious to get started. This may sound corny, but this was exactly what I needed to get my life jump started again, as I have been a little stagnant the past few years not knowing what I want to do. Now I know! Thank you!! — Darren Tichenor

Dear Pam & Jeff,
I have been telling friends and family how much I have enjoyed the course... I not only learned but also enjoyed my time while doing it. Thanks again! c.Brian B. Olsen

Hi Pam & Jeff,

This is my testimonial that you have permission to use. I have to admit that I had reservations at first sending that kind of money to total strangers. I have been burned before in a business transaction with some less then honest people. You guys came through & stood by everything that was promised to me. I found your course easy to understand & right to the basics to start a business from day one. With just a little practice on family and friends, I think I am ready to do business professionally. I love that you have all the lights, session kits etc. and other valuable things ready that we can order directly from you. It gave me less things that I had to think about & try to figure out on my own. I haven’t even really started on the marketing course yet. Already the information and services received have been worth the price. Thanks guys. I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the NYN Photography family.
Yours truly, Robin Hamann

Jeff and Pam,
I am writing to tell you how happy I am with your Not Your Normal Photography Course. The information it contained was better than expected. I have been looking for a way to make money doing something I love and this appears to be my answer. Thank you also for always answering my emails and phone calls, this is greatly appreciated. I sought one of your lighting kiss a way to get started and I was amazed at how good my photos came out the first time. I set everything up. It was so simple. Thanks for creating this course and sharing this with me. Sincerely, Bob Knapik

Pam and Jeff I have enjoyed this course tremendously. This is my testimonial about how I have benefited from the Not Your Normal photography. On December 16, 2006 I had the opportunity to take Santa Claus pictures at our local Piggly Wiggly grocery store. I was so excited I was ready for the event a month before it was time. I told all of my coworkers about the gig and asked for them to bring their grandchildren by to have pictures with Santa. One co-worker in particular told me she was bringing her 2 year old granddaughter by but probably would not get a good picture since she already knew the child was scared of Santa. I said bring her by and we will get what we can. So she brings her by to see Santa but the grand-mother had to bribe the little girl with a furry toy. The little girl looked at Santa and shook her head no. The grand-mother said I am going to set her on Santa’s lap and take the picture no matter what the outcome. So I got ready to take the picture and the little girl was all over Santa, and so was I with my camera trying to get a good shot. Needless to say I got a picture and the grand-mother was happy and I was a nervous wreck on that one. But we both look at that picture and just have to laugh. I had the best time I offered a 5x7 for $5.00 and made $200.00 in 2 hours. Oh, by the way I have been asked to take Easter pictures at the Piggly Wiggly and Easter Pictures for our towns historical walk through.
Not You Not Your Normal photography student,
Rena Brown

Hello Pam and Jeff. I just joined up and am in the process of reading all the material sent me. I just wanted to tell you both that I am very glad I made this purchase as I have been shooting (photography) for the past few years and still cannot decide on what it is I want to specialize in. I think your material and experience will help. I’ve been in the alarm industry for the past 25 years and I just want to begin doing what I truly enjoy (photography) and be able to make a decent living at it. If nothing else, your material and experience has already put an added bit of excitement and enthusiasm to my future. I’m hoping that once I’ve gone through all the material I’ll be able to pursue my “new career” more seriously. Again, thank you for the much needed inspiration. Sincerely, Robert Fisher

So far I like what I see (and have read) Extremely impressed with how quickly my course manuals came. Web site is packed with good stuff! — Teri Petrillo

I want to thank you guys again for putting on this course. I really love this style and idea of casual photography and I already have a lot of people phoning me for bookings. Thank you again sooooo much for this. A very happy “student”, James Smith

I ordered your Not Your Normal Photography course. I quickly completed the course and it surpassed my expectations. Definitely money well spent!

What really got my attention was the ability to improve my photography skills, recover the expense of my photography hobby, and still maintain total control over my time. I retired several years ago. I now spend a good deal of time traveling the world and enjoying my life-long love of photography. Why NOT make money while I’m at it!

Your Not Your Normal Photography course is FUN (it’s humorous, entertaining, I couldn’t put it down), THOROUGH (from photo techniques, through effective marketing), MOTIVATING (your main message being you can do this!), and SUPPORTIVE (ongoing support through e-mail, phone, and newsletters which I really look forward to reading every month). Your course provides me the solid foundation to enhance my skills and boost my confidence in becoming a part-time professional portrait photographer.

The approach covered in your course of maintaining total control over precious time by scheduling bulk portrait sessions is invaluable. Because of what I learned in your course, I’m developing my portrait photography skills and a plan to offer bulk portrait session in the spring and fall as I’m usually not traveling during that time.

Jeff and Pam, thanks so much for offering such a valuable photography course and for sharing your personal experiences in photography and on the Farrm! Chantelle Biaggi

Dear Pam and Jeff,

I have completed the course quite some time back. I am up and running and lined up with weddings and seniors already calling me for dates and pricing. I have recently done infant, family and toddler pictures. My new studio is almost done. I previously was using my daughter’s room who left to college and I gutted it to start photographing in house. The new studio is above my garage and I am excited and advertising like crazy.
Thank you so much, It was very helpful and I am most appreciative I could do a distance course with such ease. Sincerely yours, S. Kelly Reilly

Pam and Jeff,

I am appreciative of both the technical and motivational support I received from NYN and it contributed to the success I’ve achieved in the one year since opening my studio. I’ve gone from zero to an average of about $5,000 a month in session fees and print sales since opening my studio. Regards,
George Delgado

Feel free to add my comments to your testimonials. NYN was certainly one of the seeds of my success. And I agree wholeheartedly that both the little leverage points and lifestyle are important. Like you, I believe in taking time off. My wife Elaine and I spent most of February in India. My upstart business barely missed a beat. I ramped up shooting before we left and doubled marketing (mostly Google and Yahoo, but
some direct mail as well) on our return. Auto replies and a carefully scripted voice mail greeting handled inquiries in our absence. When we came back, March “came in like a lion” with record print orders and good bookings going forward.

Hi Jeff, I’ve been crazy busy with business. I am going to start ordering session packages from you guys pretty soon, I calculated it and it seems cheaper and more convenient + no inventory to worry about. Just a quick note: You are very good at marketing and advertising. I was thinking about it, when I purchased the course I was thinking I was spending like $500 when I really didn’t have it, but I really saw the value in it. You are very good at communicating value to the customer, and presenting things very well. I am learning alot from your work. I really agree with what you say about-if people are genuinely interested they will read a lot of copy. That's a really big bag of money right there. Have a great day! Chris McGuire

Ok, just wanted to say thanks for sending out the deluxe glued session package to me. Holy Hell, I can’t believe you get so
much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was really impressed!!!!!!!!! This is awesome, I am going to make so much money from these packages. I’m seeing dollar signs in my eyes. Thanks for your ideas and your school. Thanks and I’ll be ordering more soon.
P.S. you 2 are fabulous! Chris McGuire

Jeff and Pam,
I am getting soooo much out of your course. The biggest thing is probably that by reading through everything, I feel more self-confident and I am ready to take my business to the next level. I’ve purchased 2 other similar courses in the past, but neither one motivated me to get moving the way yours has. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Staci Sull

A side note about this session: she told me at the end of the session that she would probably want everything, meaning the Deluxe Session Package, which I have priced at $995! I had resisted pricing my packages this high for so long, but you gave me the confidence to finally do it! — Angela Griffin

We were skeptical about any new venture as we had been burned before. We decided to take the plunge with NYN Photography and WOW—is it ever worth it! You really get a bang for your buck with not only the photography side of the business, but also the marketing and business side. I have a degree in photography and have worked in the industry for three years. The business and marketing aspect of the NYN Photography course is phenomenal. Jeff & Pam possess a wealth of talent and knowledge to share, and they truly want all their students to succeed. We called Jeff and Pam to ask them a few questions to help us get started in our casual style photography business. Thirty minutes later, we came away with great ideas and the support we needed to conduct our first paid session. Thank you, Jeff and Pam! ... YOU GUYS ROCK!!!— Merv & Traci Eichin

Dear Pam and Jeff,

Please accept my sincere gratitude for putting out such a great home study photographers course. This has allowed me to study and practice your teachings in my free time, between work and motherhood.

Your course was very down to earth, easy to read, and understand. I completely enjoyed reading every bit of it! In fact, my husband commented that I was addicted to it there for a while, as every spare second I had the book in my hands and my nose buried into it.

Thank you once again for providing a course that is both idiot proof and enjoyable to read!!! — Jenny L. Smith, A Very Aspiring Photographer

Pam,
Thank you both for all the info on your web-sight. It has saved me tons of time. It is so packed with all the things that we need, I can only imagine how long it took youall to find them your first time. Anyway, I just wanted to say Thanks youall! Chip Wood

Pam,
I really appreciate your help with getting a replacement flash so quickly. It’s rare to receive that kind of service!

My girlfriend is on board and we’re converting the living room into a studio. I’m on my third reading of the course material and all I can say is... awesome! Well worth the price! I have practice sessions set up and I’ve already had request for paying sessions! Thanks for everything !

Robert Strandberg

I like the course very much. One neighbor who is building a web site to sell gift baskets asked me what you two gave me in the course. I told her the forms needed and all the things you use in your business — the stuff that didn’t work and the stuff that did work.

She said you are good people and I said you gave me everything I needed to grow a business. You didn’t sell a half baked course.

You showed me how to create the needed marketing materials. You showed me incredibly good poses and exactly how to set up the equipment and “forget it.” and concentrate on shooting. You gave me “all” the resources including names, addresses, phone numbers and web site, etc. You gave me real world ideas that work, not just a general overview. When you say this is how this is done you spell it out as if I am a novice, and I learn. The other courses leave me with more questions than answers — NYI and SMP (school of modern photography).

I like the newsletter and I am glad to see more “poses” in it. I like Jeff’s real world advertising and marketing ideas and the fact that they are results oriented. I almost paid a guy in a copy shop to write for me, then I said I paid for a really good course — thank you!

This Not Your Normal Photography course is the ONLY course of any kind I have ever studied that gives the student ALL the information needed to start and grow a business. — James Walsh

The newsletter always has something of interest — most helpful — Douglas Harte

By far your course is better than NYPI’s course - definitely more bang for the buck. thanks!!! The newsletters are excellent as well. — Patty Latimer

Jeff and Pam,
Thanks for your excellent course on both photography and business building. There are very specific instructions on each stage of building a business. We anticipate moving to a new area and we now have specific methods for breaking into a new market and are looking forward to doing so.

We look forward to this new adventure as a team and know that we won’t be a bored retired couple, but doing something fun and bringing enjoyment to others as we celebrate their family.

We both are carving out our niches in this system and look forward to working together as you both did. Thanks for being a great example.

Marvin and Bonnie Clark Clark Family Photography

Again all your work in the course enable me to do what I did, I’m grateful. And I’m glad I bought the deluxe version, it will help me leap ahead a few years. — Stephane Rivette

Subject: Whew!
Dear Pam and Jeff, I am so happy to have the course. I cannot even thank you enough. I swear, there is so much crammed into every page, it has taken awhile just to get a handle on what to do next! I have cruised through and now I get to practice!
SInce I got the course I have not had much of a life because it is so exciting and full on! My poor sweetheart. Anyway, I am so glad I got some of the pieces together on my own before I got the?course.?

Jeff’s marketing course is great and Jeff did not exaggerate in his enthusiasm at all. And the swipe files are gold.
Kind Regards, Heather Wakefield

LSB PHOTOGRAPHY
February 11, 2008
Pam & Jeff Farr
Not Your Normal School Of Photography 600 Kelly Road
Carthage, NC 28327
Dear Pam & Jeff,
Lori and I just finished your excellent Not You Normal Photography School Deluxe Course. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. The wealth of information you both provide is extraordinary. Your course not only met our expectations, it far exceeded them.

As life-long photography enthusiasts we already had a good base in both knowledge and equipment. We knew we wanted to incorporate some sort of photography business into our retirement but we were unsure what direction to take. As I frequent Photo.net, a popular forum for photographers from around the world, I happened across a reference for your school. A prior student of yours recommended your course and I decided to check you guys out.

When I read the information on your web-site something about it resonated in me. I thought to myself,”yes, this is exactly what I would like to do when retire”. It was not only a course on how to take Pam’s style of pictures which would be worth the money itself, it was a course on how to develop the perfect business plan. It was like I had a dream of the perfect road trip, had the car, had the gas and even had a vague idea of where I wanted to go but I did not know in which direction to start. Your excellent course was like handing me a GPS with the perfect destination, all the best roads to take and more importantly, all the places to avoid. It truly was a revelation.

We are hard at work implementing your methods. I have sent you some of our promotional materials we will be setting out to “fish” with. Of course there will be many refinements to come but I hope we are off to a good start.

I took the following photo using Pam’s techniques. It has since become the highest rated photo I have ever submitted to Photo.net for critique. By the way I took Pam’s advice on this picture (which I had sent her to critique). I modified it as she suggested and it is now our Logo.

Steven Biegler

I found your course, Not Your Normal Photography to be quite a pleasant surprise. Now, I find these course materials to be extremely invaluable and something I will always keep for quality reference information. This is a far cry from the medical background that I come from. Something else that I was also amazed at was the unique marketing system you use, and I will definitely be incorporating the same system within my business. One other thing was I also found your monthly newsletters to be filled with valuable insight and tips that I also use for reference materials. Thank you Pam and Jeff. The small investment is definitely worth its weight in gold.
Donn Collier